COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — No NCAA rules violations occurred as a result of a spaghetti-dinner fundraiser in Akron last weekend staged so the families of four Ohio State players could attend the national championship game, Ohio State announced on Thursday.
The players could have had to miss the championship game if they were found in violation of rules the prohibit athletes from receiving special benefits.

Starting tailback Antonio Pittman and his backup, Chris Wells were at the Dec. 23 spaghetti dinner at Akron's Buchtel High School. Sophomore defensive end Lawrence Wilson and senior defensive back DeAngelo Haslam were also involved in the benefit but did not attend. All four players are from the Akron area.

The dinner was intended to help cover travel costs for the families of football players from the Akron area to the championship game in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 8. It was put on without the knowledge of the Ohio State student-athletes or their families.

"We have thoroughly investigated this situation and feel confident that no rule violations occurred," said Doug Archie, Ohio State's associate director of athletics for compliance. "We have talked to all the principals involved and are confident that the players and their families had no prior knowledge of the event. Additionally, no money was given to anyone associated with the Ohio State football program. Those are the litmus tests."

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